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I have a confession to make. Before Sunday I had only been to one farmers market in LA the entire 2.5 years I’ve been here (embarrassing, I know). But that spell was finally broken last Sunday, when I went to the Larchmont Farmer’s Market.

It was amazing! And so cheap! I got fresh, organic Golden Beats for $2. Then I found a table with rows of different greens and herbs; each bundle was only $1! I picked up a gigantic thing of Basil, Mint, and two bundles of Kale. My new plan/goal is to try to buy the bulk of my produce from farmer’s markets.

One of the best things about the Larchmont Farmer’s Market is that it is exploding with free samples. Everywhere. Everything. I pretty much ate a meal off of free samples.

And they had some interesting things, like these mushrooms:

And there was a puppy adoption going on nearby. I’m not even a dog person, but these guys were way too cute:

If you ever visit Larchmont, definitely check out Lette as well. The $1.70 price per cookie is a little expensive, but oh-so-scrumptious. I got an Earl Grey macaroon and came back for seconds to try the Caramel. I have to say, the Pistachio is still my favorite, but the Earl Grey comes close. (The caramel was a little overpowering.

Nom nom nom.

Back home at my juicing station, I have more Kale, mint, and basil than I know what to do with, so I juiced it all together (well, not all of it — I still have enough for like, 10 juices). I have to say, this one of the best juice concoctions yet!

Give it a shot. The mint and basil make it super sweet and super delicious. I’m also a huge fan of the golden beets. You get so much juice out of them!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! It is beautiful and sunny out, so I thought something sweet, cool, and slightly tropical would be great for Pantry Essentials and Recipe Monday!

If you’ve looked through some of my older posts, you know I am a huge fan of Chia Seeds (see recipe for Sprouted Chia Drink or Green Protein Oatmeal). Chia seeds are a good source of Omega-3, antioxidants, protein, and fiber, these seeds have a ton of great health benefits, including; anti-inflammatory properties, detoxification, weight loss, energy, brain power, and more (see a complete list here)

If you’re looking to add a bag of chia seeds to your pantry, I order mine online in bulk from AZ Chia. They have good quality seeds at very reasonable prices. You can also buy Chia Seeds in bulk at your local health food store.

Place the Chia Seeds in a bowl and cover them with a thin layer of water. Let them sit while you are prepping (at least 20 minutes).

Let the Macadmia Nuts and Dates soak in water for about 15 minutes. I like to give them a little pre-soak to make it easier on my awful blender.

Drain the nuts and dates and place them in the blender. Add 1/3 cup of water and the 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries. Blend until you get a thick, even paste. If it is too watery, add a couple of nuts, or if it gets too thick, add a splash of water.

Pour out the paste in to a bowl and stir in the sprouted chia seeds. They will add a gel-like texture.

Cut up the peach and place in the bowl, and then top it off with the goji berries!

(Note: when the blueberries melt it will thin out your yogurt, so eat quickly after making!)

Welcome to the first post of an upcoming weekly tradition: Pantry Essentials + Recipe Mondays (aka PERM), where I’ll post every Monday about an item I love and give you a recipe to try out as well.

I realized there were so many delicious things I love, and so many ways to prepare them, that why not share them all!

I’m also open to any companies sending me free samples (I mean, who doesn’t love free samples?), and I will always let you know what delectables I have discovered on my own versus what has been provided.

Let’s start it off with another one of my impulse buys at Whole Foods (yes, I found this on my own): Grama’s Sweet Chilli Sauce. This sauce is fantastic. I use it in stir-frys, as a dipping sauce, and even on salads. It gives dishes that extra pizazz.

Tofu Stir Fry with Lentils & Sweet Chilli Sauce:

Ingredients:

4 oz Firm Tofu (cut in to 1/2 inch thick squares)

1/2 C Broccoli Florets

1/3 C Frozen & Shelled Edamame

1/2 C Precooked Lentils

1 Clove Garlic (minced)

1.5 TBSP Olive Oil

2 TBSP Water

2 TBSP Grama’s Sweet Chilli Sauce

Heat the olive oil over med-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the tofu in the skillet. Let it fry on each side for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Add the garlic, mix it around, and cook for another minute.

Add the broccoli and edamame, and about 2 TBSP water and cover with a lid (the water will steam the vegetables as it is sauteing at the same time!). Let it cook for 4 minutes.

Uncover, add the lentils and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Simply make quinoa the night before: boil 2 parts water, and add 1 part quinoa in. Reduce to simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. (Note: most quinoa must be rinsed before cooking!).

Let it cool completely (I usually let it chill in the fridge over night), and then add it to the yogurt in a 3 parts yogurt: 2 parts quinoa. A good starting ratio is 1 C yogurt with 2/3 C cold quinoa.

Due to being sick and crazy busy-ness in my life outside of food and crafting, I’ve been away for too long; but I promise I’m back with more delectable recipes and fun crafts.

A few years ago, I made an impulse buy at the Whole Foods in The Valley on a bag of La Gloria’s Low Carb Tortillas. It was straight up one of the best impulse grocery buys of my life (no joke). These tortillas rocked my world; the most doughey, delicious tortilla you could possibly sink your teeth in to.

I moved from The Valley and had a hard time finding them, but for the past few months, I’ve been having good luck at the Whole Foods on the West Side and I thought I’d share the deliciousness.

The first recipe is super fast to make, and when I have La Gloria tortillas in my house, I eat at least one of these a day.

The Fancy Breakfast “Queso”dilla.

The Simple “Queso”Dilla (Vegan):

1 La Gloria Low Carb Flour Tortilla

2 Pieces Vegan Mozzarella Rice Cheese

Hot Sauce (I use Tapatio)

1/2 of a Small Avocado

Cooking Spray

Use a little bit of cooking spray on your skillet and heat the pan on medium-high heat.

Place down the tortilla on the pan. Place your 2 slices of vegan cheese side by side and dribble hot sauce over the cheese. (I usually put about 10 drops).

Fold the cheese-less half over to cover the cheese and heat about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla starts to lightly crisp and slightly brown. Using a spatula, you can press down on the tortilla so that the cheese sticks to both sides.

Take it off the heat, pull it open, and add your avocado slices. Fold it back together, let it sit for a minute, and enjoy!

The Fancy Breakfast “Queso”dilla (Vegetarian):

1 La Gloria Low Carb Flour Tortilla

1 Full Egg and 1 Egg with Whites Only

2 Slices Vegan Mozzarella Rice Cheese

1/3 Cup Pre-Cooked Quinoa

Hot Sauce

1/3 Small Avacado, cut in to slices

Salsa (optional)

Cooking Spray

Heat up cooking spray over medium-high heat. Place your egg sunny-side up in the pan. Fry on both sides until it’s done. Take it off the heat and keep it on the side.

Using more cooking spray if necessary, place the tortilla flat on the pan. Add the 2 slices of rice cheese and about 10 dribbles of hot sauce. Spread an even, thin layer of your pre-cooked quinoa over the tortilla and then place the egg on top.

I tend to use quinoa left overs from the night before, but you can always make it fresh: boil water and add quinoa (2 parts water to 1 part quinoa). Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until you see the little white tails and all the water is absorbed. Let it sit covered for 1-2 minutes.

Let the tortilla cook for about 2-3 minutes, then take it off the heat. Add your sliced avocado and salsa if desired.

So I’m a little late for St. Pattys Day, but this oatmeal tastes great and keeps you full longer. And who said green was just for smoothies?

Spirulina Powder, which is what turns the oatmeal green, is a microalgae, and is extremely nutrient dense and high-protein (for 1 TBSP, it is only 20 calories and 4g of protein!). It is also very high in antioxidants, boosts energy, high in iron and Vitamin B-12, C, and E. It helps your immune system, cleanses your liver, kidneys, and blood. Read more about health benefits here.

I buy my spirulina in powder form from Nutrex-Hawaii. It goes great in smoothies! Nutrex-Hawaii also has an assortment of Spirulin in mulitvitamins and tablets.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats

3/4 Cup Flax Milk or Almond Milk

2 Eggs (egg whites only) (Vegan Version: 1/4 C Soft Tofu)

1 TSP Cinnamon

1/2 TBSP Spirulina Powder

1/2 TBSP Chia Seeds

1/2 TBSP Flax Seed

1 Packet Stevia or Truvia (if you don’t like plant sweeteners then use Agave to taste)

Start by heating up 1/2 C of “milk” on medium to high heat. After a minute or two, throw in the oats, cinnamon, and chia seed and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the egg whites or soft tofu. Stir vigorously for about 20 seconds to make sure it is evenly mixed with the oatmeal. Eggs will cause the oatmeal to thicken, so add the other 1/4 cup of milk (you can add more or less depending on your desired consistency). Let it cook for another 3 minutes.

Take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute or two. Then add the flax seed, spirulina, and stevia.

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ABOUT ME:

I live my life by 3 principals: cheap, healthy, and fun. This blog is a creative outlet for me to share my craft and meal explorations with others. I hope to inspire creativity and excitement, through art and food, without crushing your wallet.